What is it about?
George Whitehead was a key figure in Quakerism from around 1660 to shortly before his death in 1723, involved in achieving religious toleration, building and maintaining a viable Quaker organization, and reformulating the distinctive Quaker faith to make it more acceptable in society.
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Why is it important?
Whitehead was thought by twentieth century Quaker scholars to have been worthy but dull, and a major influence on the decline of the vibrant early Quaker movement into what was supposed to have been a dull and repressed eighteenth century version. Modern Quakers generally know little about him. But currently, eighteenth century Quakerism is being re-assessed, and maybe it was not so limited after all. A review of George Whitehead is essential to the appraisal of what happened. He was highly influential, active in behind-the-scenes negotiation and in writing, and by no means dull.
Perspectives
Many years ago I was advised to consider Whitehead for possible post-doctoral research, but other matters intervened. I was delighted to have the opportunity, at long last, to get to grips with this enigmatic figure. In the course of the research I learned much, not only about Whitehead, but about the dynamics of relations between Whitehead, George Fox, William Penn and other influential Quakers, how this affected Quaker history, and how Quakerism was shaped by developments in contemporary society. There is much more to investigate here.
Rosemary Moore
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: George Whitehead and the Establishment of Quakerism, August 2021, Brill,
DOI: 10.1163/9789004500136_002.
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